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Montgomery Leaders Expect Large Crowds for Jubilee Cityfest

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By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: May 15, 2012 at 10:36 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 15, 2012 at 11:44 PM CDT

Jubilee Cityfest is just days away and this year city leaders say they have reason to believe the turnout could be bigger than ever.

Last year's Jubilee Cityfest brought headliners like Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae, along with Patrick Stump to the capital city.

"I think the acts have been spectacular," said Michael Jones, who attended last year.

Event organizers say those performances brought out 25,000 people last year, but this year city leaders are expecting even more, mainly for one reason.

"It's a different twist on Jubilee this year because there is no charge and we are expecting huge crowds," said City Councilman Tracy Larkin.

"Anytime it's free and knowing that you are going to have fun, there is going to be crowds. There is going to be food and other entertainment," said Mayor Todd Strange.

Mayor Strange says it's the first time he can remember the event being held at no charge. That's thanks to a donation made by Creek Casinos, and some think it may bring record breaking crowds to the riverfront.

"I think I am going to Jubilee this year since it's free," said Sydney Foster.

"Now it might be overcrowded and you might not be able to enjoy it as much," said Bradley Jackson, who plans to attend this year.

While some like Jackson say they are looking forward to seeing acts like Sister Hazel perform this year, Michael Jones says eliminating a cover charge may be the key to reviving an event that some say has lost its luster in recent years.

"There's a lot of competition with Cityfest. We've got staycation for one, we've got the beach open again, and plus it's coming out of a bad economy for three. I just think people are accustomed to Cityfest. I think having it free will help re-energize it," said Jones.

Sister Hazel, Brick, and Joseph Baldwin will be performing this year. The concert will begin at 6:30 on Saturday night and will be followed by Bama's Big Bang, which is a pyro-music spectacular.

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